Governor J.B. Pritzker has enacted an executive order in Illinois designed to secure the medical records of autistic individuals, in light of a controversial federal proposal to establish a national autism database. This executive order limits the sharing of sensitive autism-related information and emphasizes that autism is a neurological difference rather than a disease. Pritzker's announcement comes amidst growing concerns over privacy and discrimination, especially in response to recent remarks by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding autism and its impact on society.
After backlash to the database proposal, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted to clarify it, saying he would create an autism database using Medicare and Medicaid data. The goal is to discover a "cure" for autism, despite the fact that autism is a naturally occurring condition and not believed to have a cause.
Every Illinoisan deserves dignity, privacy, and the freedom to live without fear of surveillance or discrimination. As Donald Trump and [the Department of Government Efficiency] threaten these freedoms, we are taking steps to ensure that our state remains a leader in protecting the rights of individuals with autism and all people with disabilities.
The order also clearly states that "autism is a neurological difference - not a disease or an epidemic - identified by trained clinicians and healthcare professionals, with rising identification rates attributable to improved practices, greater awareness, and expanded access to screening tools."
[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] made statements suggesting that he believes autistic people's lives are worthless and harmful. In one speech, he said of autistic children, "These are kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem..."
Collection
[
|
...
]